The grasslands of Africa are a banquet spread for feline predators. Explore the hunting and nurturing habits of lions, leopards, and cheetahs of the African savannah, as well as the overlooked grasses that lay the foundation for the amazing array of wildlife flourishing among its leaves.
This documentary examines the threatened habitats and the three great predators: the jaguar, the leopard and the cheetah, of the great South American jungle, the Masai Mara grasslands of Kenya and the bushland of South Africa.
Two of Africa's 'savannah giants'- one a predator and one a bovine are on a collision course of epic proportions. An injured buffalo is one of Africa's most dangerous animals but for the lions of the Savannah taking down buffalo is in their genes. One wrong move and the hunter could become the hunted- it's a constant war between predator and prey and every day is a constant battle for survival out here in the African Savannah.
The complex dynamics between predator and prey are carefully examined through the use of modern technology. Prey are constantly finding new ways to avoid being eaten by predators it is thus crucial for the predators survival that he too finds mechanisms to outsmart his prey- it's an ever-evolving world on the African Savannah. This show examines this evolutionary process - are predators today fitter, faster and stronger than their predecessors? What gives one animal the edge over another? And how much of the animals behaviour is instinctive and how much is learnt? It's a fine balance out on the Savannah grasslands- a world that demands the very best from predator and prey.
Lions, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocodile - extraordinary scenes of super predators hunting. The Super Predators was filmed over three years at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa and on Kenya's Masai Mara. It captures some of the most extraordinary scenes ever seen on film of these super predators hunting and killing. Dramatic slow-motion action replays allow the viewer the opportunity of observing all the subtleties of these magnificent hunters in action. The film includes a plea for the world's most notorious predator, man, to work in closer partnership with nature for our mutual benefit and survival.
JV and Gillian are given the task of reintroducing three magnificent cheetahs- two of which are the rare King Cheetah- back into their natural surroundings. JV and Gillian document and share their story as they follow the lives of the three cub's journey from cub to adulthood in the Tswalu reserve. We follow all the trials and tribulations as the young cubs navigate their new world and learn to survive in their desert home. Filled with hope and heartbreak it's a gripping tale in which we witness the extraordinary return of the Kings.
For generations lions have ruled over the Londolozi region of Mpumalanga but one brotherhood reigns supreme: a coalition of two brothers descendent from a long dynasty. To get to the top they have hunted, fought and won many battles. This film follows this Brotherhood as they conquer prides, kill rivals and continue their bloodline guaranteeing their genes are firmly entrenched in future generations to come.
Thirst overcomes the hordes of Wildebeest and Zebra moving through Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve on their spectacular annual migration. With the cycle of the seasons comes the dry months, the water of the marsh receded. Now the residents of the marsh face a time of hardship, food will be scarce, until the next rains fall.
A documentary that follows two of Africa's greatest predators -- the cheetah, who is the fastest sprinter in the world, and the leopard, a master stalker. Both mothers are followed through the cycle of seasons as they raise their cubs and teach them to hunt and fend for themselves. The cubs watch and try to mimic their mothers. When they reach independence, they join in the hunt and the cycle of life begins again
Cameraman John Varty spent five years making this documentary about Africa's elusive, silent hunter, the leopard. Included is footage of leopards mating at night, raising a litter of cubs, interacting with hyenas and going for the kill.
The Lions of Musiara Marsh.
For millions of years, the annual migration in the Masai Mara has survived everything that the natural world has thrown at it. Wildebeest, Zebra and countless other species set off on this journey of enormous proportions to reach the greener grasses thousands of miles away. But the treacherous journey is filled with hardship and the ever-present threat of being ambushed by hungry predators. Crossing the Mara River will be one of the mega herds biggest challenges with crocodiles and lions alike eagerly awaiting at the infamous paradise crossing. It's a bloodbath like no other and only the lucky will make it to the greener pastures on the other side.
The Rivers of Africa shape the lives of those who call their banks home- in the African wilderness there can be no life without water. The continents rivers are the focal point of the dramas of the bushveld- the same river that gives life also harbours death. For the many creatures that live along Africa's rivers - the need to quench their thirst is an essential part of their lives- but rivers such as the Mara in Kenya are a barrier for animals where death comes in many guises- but each animal has their own way of navigating these treacherous waters.
For millions of years, herbivores and carnivores have competed in the race of evolution. Over time, they developed more and more specialised features, survival techniques and superior sensory abilities. They can see, smell and hear what we cannot, way beyond natural human experience. Telescopic vision. Advanced radar. Instant, wireless communications. Animal e-mail. Graphically illustrated in 3D, and filmed by the world's top wildlife cinematographers, Sense and Scentability explores the animal evolution and the phenomenal world of animal's super-senses. Dramatic footage of the hunters and the hunted, and their advanced mechanisms of defence and attack, in Africa's great wilderness areas.
Documentary about the trials and tribulations of rearing Jamu, an orphaned leopard cub in the Luangwa Valley. Jamu was orphaned at two weeks old after her mother was killed in a snare. Under the care of John Varty and his team, Jamu survived severe dehydration and slowly began to explore her world.
